Seeing Groudon's confident demeanor, Carl couldn't help but be intrigued.
"The Crown Tundra is hard to access?"
Groudon roared in agreement, explaining, "When the worlds merged, the Crown Tundra was separated by the King of Bountiful Harvests during its slumber, and transformed into a secret realm using its powers."
"By human standards, it's a top-tier secret realm," Groudon continued. "Once the King awakens, the realm will appear without an entrance but will emerge somewhere in the ocean, surrounded by a special barrier."
"Anyone can enter the barrier, provided they know the method or pass a certain test," Groudon added. "But that's for the future. For now, to get into the unopened secret realm, you need a legendary creature who knows the way."
Groudon puffed up with pride. "After the worlds merged, many of my kind appeared, but only I know the way!"
Indeed, Groudon had every right to be proud. It was the strongest of its kind, the master of the land. With the potential to gain a flying attribute, it would become something truly unique.
That green shiny Groudon was mediocre in strength but quite the character. After failing to seize a leadership position, it cozied up with Rayquaza, even forming a connection with the shiny variant. It often sought a chance to show up that particular Groudon.
Groudon pondered how to negotiate with Carl for the flying attribute crystal.
"Don't hesitate, this is your chance," Groudon urged eagerly, longing to experience the sensation of flight.
Carl looked puzzled, "How does an ancient creature like you speak so fluently?"
Groudon nearly choked on the question, explaining, "Rayquaza moved the Sky Pillar to your lands and got really interested in your culture, so we had to learn, too."
Carl was surprised to learn that Rayquaza relocated the Sky Pillar. It made sense now why the shiny Rayquaza appeared here—it wasn't just due to Groudon and Kyogre's presence, but also proximity.
Everyone turned their attention to the conversation. The names Rayquaza, Sky Pillar, and their land caught everyone's interest immediately.
Groudon quickly dismissed the idea of elaborating. "Can't talk about that, or I'll get in trouble."
"Really won't say?" Carl teased.
"No way!" Groudon was firm.
"How about this," Carl proposed. "If you share, I'll record a great achievement for you. Accumulate three of those, and I'll give you the crystal. Deal?"
"Don't joke around! Taking you to the Crown Tundra doesn't even count as one great achievement, it needs to be exceptional!" Groudon scoffed.
"You're that confident?"
"Absolutely! The entrance location will change. It'll be on land for the next year, and only I can sense it. Once it moves to the sea next year, then Kyogre will need to help. As for Mew, she doesn't care about this stuff!"
Groudon's confidence was unshakable. For at least the next year, Carl would need its help to reach the Crown Tundra.
Carl chuckled at Groudon's self-assurance. "Negotiating with you is more complicated than I thought."
Lusamine, meanwhile, massaged her temples, trying to follow the conversation. "What are you two discussing?"
"I'm negotiating with Groudon," Carl explained, recounting the conversation in detail.
Lillie quickly suggested, "Should we ask Kyogre and Mew for their input?"
Kyogre seemed indifferent to the idea, while Mew appeared eager to help.
"No need for that!" Carl waved it off, addressing Groudon. "If it's truly as you say, I do need your help. But, unfortunately, I have other plans."
"Like what?" Groudon was skeptical, believing Carl had no other options without the help of shiny Rayquaza or Zygarde.
But Carl's next words caught Groudon off guard.
"Magearna!" Carl stated.
Groudon was visibly taken aback, as were Kyogre and Mew in Lillie's arms. They hadn't expected Carl to mention Magearna.
"You know where she is?" Groudon asked hesitantly.
"Of course," Carl replied easily.
"Then why not just go to her?" Groudon pressed.
Carl stretched lazily. "Too much trouble. If she hadn't bonded with anyone, I'd just have Hoopa bring her over. But she has an owner now, so I'd have to persuade them first. It's time-consuming and requires effort."
"The cost doesn't bother me, which gives you a chance," Carl said, patting Groudon's head.
Groudon pondered Carl's words, finding them largely credible. If a cost was necessary, why not let her help and save Carl the hassle?
While Groudon deliberated, Lusamine asked, "What exactly is Magearna? You've mentioned her before but never explained."
Lillie, Gardevoir, and Serena listened intently, even Cynthia paused her call to tune in. They all knew they were about to learn something new from Carl.
As the breeze rippled over the lake, Carl took a sip of tea and began, "Magearna is a mythical creature on par with Marshadow and Zeraora, with potential to become a second-tier deity. She's a steel and fairy type, residing in the Kalos region."
Serena was surprised, "In Kalos? I've never heard of her."
Creatures were generally categorized as legendary or mythical. Legendary ones were known for their battle prowess and divine roles, while mythical ones possessed special abilities or unique traits, like the ability to manipulate dreams or grant wishes.
Though rare, these mythical creatures weren't entirely unknown.
As they discussed, Carl's mind was already working on the possibilities Magearna could offer.